Holiday Carbon Handprint

Transport

Flying

When planning your holiday, it's important to consider the environmental impact of your transportation choices. Research airlines for detailed emission data and sustainability initiatives and then choose one with robust sustainability initiatives, such as carbon offset programs or investments in renewable energy.

Additionally, try to choose direct flights whenever possible to minimise emissions associated with take-offs and landings and consider packing light to reduce fuel consumption.

Carbon Offset

Use tools like the ClimateCare calculator, it bases its calculations on emissions factors provided annually by the UK government's DBEIS.

The calculator incorporates various factors, including well-to-tank emissions (the carbon emissions involved in fuel extraction and transportation to the plane). As well as integrating radiative forcing into its calculations based on recommendations from the Environmental Change Institute at Oxford University.

Driving

If driving is part of your holiday plans, consider renting a hybrid or electric car for its fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. Additionally, prioritise walking or using public transportation whenever feasible to reduce air pollution and fuel consumption.

Accommodation

Choosing environmentally conscious accommodation options can also minimise your holiday carbon handprint.

Airbnb

Staying at an Airbnb is akin to staying in your own home. It boasts a lower environmental impact compared to a hotel stay, giving you greater control over resource usage and enabling you to minimise waste more effectively.

Hotels

Selecting hotels with sustainability initiatives, such as emission reduction targets verified by reputable organizations like the Science Based Targets initiative, can contribute to more eco-friendly travel experiences.

Certifications

Hotels often undergo specific environmental assessments to measure their sustainability across various criteria, including site development, water conservation, energy efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovative design.

Many U.S.-based hotels opt for LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council or BREEAM from the U.K's BRE Group.

Other recognized certification programs encompass:

• Earthcheck (Australia)
• Greenglobe, Rainforest Alliance (Latin America, Caribbean)
• Green Tourism (UK)
• Several countries, such as Costa Rica, administer their own certification programs to evaluate sustainability initiatives.

Ask Questions

When staying at a place, it's crucial to inquire about certain aspects. Here are some questions we've found valuable:

• Is there a recycling program in place?
• Does the establishment utilize renewable energy sources like solar power or wind turbines, practice rainwater harvesting, employ energy-efficient lighting, or have low-flow toilets?
• Is the food sourced locally, supporting nearby producers?
• Do they prioritize using locally sourced materials for construction or amenities?

Water and Energy Saving Tips

Conserving water is essential. Here are some practices to follow:

• Opt for showers instead of baths, ensuring to turn off the water while lathering up, shampooing, shaving, and brushing your teeth.
• In hotels, hang up your towels after each use to avoid unnecessary laundering by housekeeping.
• Refrain from using the hotel's laundry service. When staying in a house, wash your clothes at a low temperature with liquid detergent and softener, opting to air dry them.

To conserve energy, we practice the following habits:

• Before leaving your hotel room or house, make sure to turn off all lights, heating/cooling systems, and the television. Additionally, closing curtains and blinds helps to keep out the heat during summers.
• Use the "Do Not Disturb" sign throughout your stay to minimise daily room cleaning, reducing electricity usage for vacuuming and the frequency of bed linen washing.
• Make it a point to carry any leftover soap, shampoo, or toothpaste, which is often discarded. These unused portions serve as a great travel option, reducing waste.

Sightseeing

Choose not to join organized tours, conduct your research and visit places of personal interest. Avoid touristy spots, because this approach minimizes will minimise environmental impact.

If you prefer organized tours, consider companies affiliated with reputable organizations like The International Ecotourism Society; such memberships signify a commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.

Make a conscious effort to leave no trace of your visit and often pick up litter you encounter during your excursions to prevent it from harming the environment.

It’s crucial to refrain from purchasing items made from endangered plants or animals, unsustainable hardwoods, or ancient artifacts.

Wildlife

Make sure you don't feed or touch the wildlife. Feeding animals can habituate them to humans, leading to dependency and potential attacks. Maintaining distance is crucial to avoid causing harm, as incidents could result in the animal being euthanised.

Avoid visiting wildlife centers or participating in activities like elephant rides that exploit animals, such as the infamous performing elephants in Thailand.

The Sea

While snorkelling and/or scuba diving, do not touch coral or disturbing sediment, as the potential damage it will cause to the delicate ecosystem of the reef.

Food Choices

Opt for local restaurants or sourcing food from nearby shops, avoiding major international chains. Supporting local food sources contributes positively to the communities we visit.

Packing Essentials

In terms of clothing aim to pack minimal amount and well below the airline's weight limit.

Consider eco-friendly alternatives like solid toiletries and reusable items to reduce waste during your trip.

• Bamboo toothbrushes
• Shampoo bar
• Conditioner bar
• Solid deodorant bar
• Safety razor
• Stainless steel straws
• Cutlery
• Water bottles
• Shopping bags

Contributing Back

Pack For A Purpose is a non-profit organization facilitates the delivery of essential supplies to local schools in various destinations. It's remarkable how a small portion of space in your luggage can make a substantial difference to community projects globally.